You have heard the term personal strengths, you even know that you probably have them, but you aren’t quite sure what they are or how to use them.
Being able to tap into these strengths and use them provides you with self-confidence and boosts your happiness and resilience in handling difficult situations.
Have you ever felt like you just don’t have what it takes to get to where you want to be? It might be because you aren’t effectively relying on your strengths. You can start reaping the benefits of your personal strengths now, and here is how to do it.
The Past
While it isn’t generally healthy to dwell in the past, you may need to cast your mind back to your greatest moments in life. To the times when you were on top of everything and felt in complete and utter control of your destiny. You need a reminder of how you harnessed your strengths in the past, especially when you don’t feel it.
Don’t focus on negative situations in your past, only draw motivation from your triumphs of strength, and utilize them now to remind you of what you are capable of.
Stop The Comparisons
There are few things in life more destructive to self-confidence than constantly comparing yourself to others. How can you call yourself tough when someone else is even tougher?
Why should you be happy when there are others unhappier than you?
What makes you worthy of success when there are people just as good, if not better, as you?
This is only going to drain your energy and move your focus from your strengths. When you start comparing yourself to other people, you start to feel insecure and focus on your weaknesses.
Forget the things that you’re not good at and put your focus on the things you are good at and getting better at those.
It doesn’t matter if Lisa from accounting handled a particular situation better than you that one time or if Bob from HR raised his eyebrow at something, you said. There are always going to be areas where you don’t know as much as someone else or skills that you haven’t mastered.
Guess what?
That means that there are plenty of strengths you have that others just don’t, so keep your focus on those.
Be Positive
Everyone has traits that they would like to get rid of or change, whether it’s a lack of patience or a tendency to procrastinate. Don’t focus on those aspects of your character; rather focus on the positive traits you possess.
It is in those traits that your strengths lie and you should use that to your advantage. Maybe people turn to you in times of trouble because you have a great attitude or you’re helpful, lean into those strengths.
When you feel at a low point, remind yourself of the strengths you have and how you use them on a daily basis. If you find yourself self-questioning often make a note of every time you use your strength so you can reflect on the successes you’ve experienced.
Be Strong
Do you know what happens when you offer excuses for yourself?
You make them.
When there’s an out, you find yourself taking it every time. You don’t want to live life as a victim and make excuses for shortcomings.
Why would you when you can harness your strengths and utilize them on a daily basis? Don’t give yourself an out, your only option is to succeed and to do so you must use your strengths.
Do you know what your strengths are? If not you can take a helpful test to determine where they lie (https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/Choosing/strengths.htm).
Want some help in identifying your strengths? I can help! I would love to identify and draw out your strengths – even the ones you don’t think you have! Check out my affordable coaching packages to help get you discover your amazing strengths so you can use them to improve your life. Contact me today.
